Development of Lincoln Center

On May 14, 1959, President Dwight D. Eisenhower broke ground for the site of Lincoln Center and called it the start of "a great cultural adventure." This moment in history marked the beginning of a 50-year celebration of the arts, including both performances as well as arts education. In this sense, the concept for the complex was seen as revolutionary for its time.

The groundbreaking ceremony on the site of what was to become Lincoln Center.

Lincoln Center, 1966.

Over time, 12 organizations came to inhabit the area and currently make use of 22 performance venues. These organizations include:

• Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
• New York Philharmonic
• The Juilliard School
• The Metropolitan Opera
• New York City Ballet
• New York City Opera
• New York Public Library for the Performing Arts
  
• The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
• The Film Society of Lincoln Center
• Lincoln Center Theater
• School of American Ballet
• Jazz at Lincoln Center

Highlights of the Past 50 Years

All photos courtesy of the timeline available at www.lincolncenter.org

Fast Facts

• Lincoln Center features over 400 performances each year.
  
• Over 500,000 people visit Lincoln Center each year.
• Just about 5% of the budget comes from government funding. The arts organizations rely on private funding for the rest.
  
• The performing arts complex is a major contributor to the local and state economies. A 2004 report entitled "The Economic Role & Impact of Lincoln Center" explains that Lincoln Center directly and indirectly generates $840 in New York City business sales and supports 7,600 jobs in NYC. Within New York State, Lincoln Center generates $1.01 billion in sales and supports about 8,300 jobs for NYS residents